Do You Need E-Hailing Cover for Part-Time Driving?
Yes. If you carry paying passengers through an e-hailing platform, you need insurance that covers e-hailing use, even if you drive only part-time or on weekends. Depending on your platform, insurer and driving frequency, you may be able to choose daily or annual e-hailing cover.
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Do part-time e-hailing drivers need insurance?
Yes. Your insurance policy must permit e-hailing use if you carry paying passengers, including when you drive after work or on weekends.
This applies to drivers for Grab, inDrive, Maxim and other e-hailing platforms, including those who drive occasionally to earn extra income.
Standard private car insurance may not cover accidents during paid trips. Check your policy and explore e-hailing insurance on BJAK before accepting bookings.
Daily vs annual e-hailing cover: which is more suitable?
Daily cover may suit occasional drivers, while annual cover may be more practical for regular drivers. The right option depends on how often you drive, the products available and their activation rules.
| Feature | Daily cover | Annual cover |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage period | Depends on the product's activation rules | As stated in the policy |
| Payment | Based on eligible activation periods | Based on the annual price |
| Best suited for | Part-time or occasional drivers | Regular or full-time drivers |
| Days not driving | Charges depend on the product's rules | Annual cost remains payable |
| Covered platforms | May be restricted to specific platforms | Depends on the policy |
| Availability | Depends on the platform and insurer | Depends on the insurer |
For example, Grab Daily E-Hailing Insurance provides eligible Grab driver-partners with 24-hour cover after activation. The cover period continues even when the driver is temporarily offline. However, this does not mean every accident during those 24 hours is eligible for a claim. Grab states that claims can be made for accidents that occur while completing a Grab ride or actively available to accept bookings. These terms apply specifically to Grab and should not be assumed to apply to every daily e-hailing policy.
If you drive for multiple platforms, check that each one is covered. Explore e-hailing insurance options on BJAK to review available products.
Is daily e-hailing cover cheaper?
Not necessarily. The total cost depends on the daily rate, the number of days you activate cover and the annual price available to you.
Estimated daily-cover cost = Daily rate × Number of active days
For example, at a hypothetical rate of RM7.50 per day:
These are illustrative figures, not actual quotations.
Compare your estimated yearly cost with an annual quote, including the benefits and exclusions of each option.
What happens if you drive part-time without e-hailing cover?
If your policy does not permit e-hailing use, your insurer may decline a claim arising from an accident during a paid trip, depending on the policy terms and circumstances.
You may have to pay for repairs to your own vehicle or damage to third-party property. Claims involving injuries or passengers may also be affected, depending on the circumstances and applicable cover.
Do not assume standard comprehensive insurance automatically covers e-hailing trips. Read BJAK's guide to e-hailing endorsements to understand the additional cover that may be needed.
What should you check before buying e-hailing cover?
| What to check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Insurer | Some platforms require basic motor insurance and e-hailing cover to be issued by the same insurer. |
| Covered platforms | A product may be restricted to specific operators. |
| Activation rules | When cover starts and ends, and when claims may be eligible. |
| Vehicle damage | Protection for damage to your own car. |
| Liability | Benefits, limits and exclusions for passengers and third parties. |
| Eligibility and documents | Driver and vehicle requirements, plus documents required by the platform. |
Requirements vary by platform and product. For example, Grab requires its basic motor insurance and e-hailing cover to be issued by the same insurer. Do not assume this rule applies to other platforms.
Remember
Insurance is only one part of e-hailing compliance. Drivers must also meet applicable regulatory and platform requirements, including holding a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence and ensuring their vehicle has a valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (eVP). Check the latest requirements with APAD, JPJ and your e-hailing platform before starting work.
How to get e-hailing cover for part-time driving
Follow these steps before accepting your first booking:
Check your existing policy
Confirm that e-hailing use is covered.
Confirm platform requirements
Check the accepted insurers and the daily or annual options available.
Compare costs and benefits
Base the comparison on how often you expect to drive.
Check eligibility and activation rules
Confirm them with your insurer.
Make sure cover is active
Complete the required licensing, permit and platform registration steps before carrying passengers.
If your current policy does not cover e-hailing, ask your insurer whether additional cover is available. Availability and eligibility vary by product.
Start by reviewing e-hailing insurance options on BJAK.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you carry paying passengers. Standard private car insurance does not necessarily cover these trips.
Possibly, depending on your platform, insurer and eligibility. Check the product terms before choosing.
It depends on the product's rules. Grab's daily cover, for example, remains active for 24 hours after activation, but not every accident during that period is necessarily eligible for a claim. Check the applicable claim conditions.
Not necessarily. Some products cover only specific platforms. Confirm that each platform you use is covered.
Not necessarily. You need a policy or additional cover that permits paid passenger trips.
Not necessarily. Compare the estimated cost of daily cover over a full year with the annual price available to you.
Compare e-hailing insurance with BJAK
Part-time e-hailing can provide extra income, but your insurance must match how you use your car. Compare available cover, check platform requirements and review your policy terms before accepting paid bookings.